Iran live updates: US, Iran passing messages through intermediaries, Tehran says

Latest updates from Iran indicate that the United States and Iran are communicating via intermediaries, though the Iranian official clarified that these exchanges should not be considered negotiations. President Trump announced significant military operations against Iran in February, leading to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting various targets.

Negotiations between the two nations began in June, based on a memorandum of understanding. Nevertheless, both sides have maintained a cycle of strikes, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as the main point of contention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a 15-point peace proposal for Gaza presented by Trump's Board of Peace, stating that Israel would not retreat until Hamas is fully disarmed and will continue to counter threats against its forces and citizens.

An Iranian official added that messages between the U.S. and Iran are being relayed through intermediaries, emphasizing that this process should not be termed negotiations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of violating the June memorandum of understanding and insisted that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the U.S. addresses its violations and compensates for damages.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains dependent on fulfilling other conditions, which have been communicated to the American side through intermediaries. Iranian officials reiterated that an agreement with Oman does not guarantee the Strait's reopening; the U.S. must cease threatening and insulting Iran, halt military actions against Iran and its regional allies, withdraw naval and air forces involved in the blockade, compensate for damages, lift sanctions, and release frozen Iranian assets.

U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden Jr. acknowledged ongoing negotiations this week but stressed that the conflict is far from over, employing various diplomatic, economic, and military measures to achieve the best outcome for Americans.